Ice resurfacing machine



Feb. 7, 1967 M. B. VANDENBERG ICE RESURFACING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 29, 1964 FIG. I

INVENTOR. MILO B. VANDENBERG ATTORNEY 1967 M. B. VANDENBERG I 3,302,975

I CE RESURFACING MACHINE Filed June 29, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGB INVENTOR.

w MILO B. VANDENBERG 54 W aw ATTORNEY Feb. 7, 1967 M. B. VANDENBERG ICE RESURFACING MACHINE 5 Shets-Sheet 3 Filed June 29, 1964 INVENTOR MILO B. VANDENBERG ATTORNEY 1967 M. B. VANDENBERG ICE RESURFACING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 29, 1964 INVENTOR ATTORNEY M. B. VANDENBERG 3,302,975

ICE RESURFACING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR & RN

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' Feb. 7, 1967 Filed June 29, 1964 wKN 7 1 iLl MN W NQ ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,302,975 ICE RESURFACING MACHINE Milo B. Vandenberg, Upland, Calif, assignor of fifty percent to Boniard I. Brown, West Covina, Calif. Filed June 29, 1964, Ser. No. 383,543 25 Claims. (Cl. 29924) The present application is a continuation-in-part of Serial No. 22,326, filed April 14, 1960, and Serial No. 276,364, filed April 29, 1963, now abandoned.

The present invention relates generally to ice resurfacing machines; more-particularly, the invention relates to ice resurfacing machine improvements which provide a simplified machine capable of efiicient operation.

The maintaining and resurfacing of ice surfaces, such as those utilized in sports such as skating, has involved the utilization of various devices and machines. The proper resurfacing of such an ice surface requires that it be scraped, that shaved ice removed from the surface be withdrawn from the ice surface, and that a film of water be spread over the surface to freeze and provide a renewed surface. Prior machines have been characterized by certain disadvantages and shortcomings, among them being mechanical complexity, large size, high cost of construction and maintenance, inconvenience of operation, and difiiculty and inconvenience in removing shaved ice from the machine receptacle.

The present invention provides a relatively simplified, compact and inexpensive ice resurfacing machine which is capable of refinishing an ice surface efiiciently, rapidly and economically. The machine comprises an integral unitary structure wherein a receptacle has runners sup porting it directly on the ice and wherein a transverse shaving or scraper blade is secured to the receptacle. This unitary structure is highly adapted to be towed and lifted by a vehicle, such as a tractor. The structure is adapted for detachable securement to a vehicle for towing, and is preferably attachable to a lifting mechanism on a vehicle, such as a Ford tractor, for the lifting of the machine to facilitate handling the machine when it is not in operation. The sharp edged scraper blade is mounted on the machine transversely of the direction of machine movement, and is arranged to take a shaving cut of the ice. Means are provided for adjusting the vertical relationship between the machine receptacle on which the blade is mounted and the supporting runners for the purpose of controlling the depth of cut of the ice taken by the scraper blade. In a preferred embodiment, the runners are mounted on inclined rails, and the runners are adjustable on the rails to govern the relationship between the runners and the blade.

Means are provided for collecting the shaved ice cut by the scraper blade and depositing the shaved ice in the receptacle. In one embodiment, a partial vacuum is produced in the receptacle, and the shaved ice is withdrawn into the receptacle through conduits which extend to the region of the scraper blade. In another embodiment, transverse mechanical conveyors transport the shaved ice transversely in front of the scraper blade to a position from which the shaved ice is withdrawn through a vacuum system conduit and deposited in the receptacle.

A water distributing system is preferably utilized with the machine for applying a film of water to the ice surface after the machine has scraped and removed the shaved ice.

The machine of the invention includes a powenoperated ejector or unloader which, by simplified and quick-acting means, unloads the accumulated shaved ice in the receptacle in a minimum of time and substantially automatically, thereby readying the machine for further ice resurfacing. The preferred form herein described comprises a scoop rigidly attached to a hinged door, so that by a relatively quick power-actuated movement the contents of the receptacle are ejected. The receptacle is provided with an arcuate bottom inner surface and the scoop is mounted to move contiguously to this arcuate surface. A space beneath this arcuate surface comprises a tank for water which is fed onto the ice surface in a film after the ice surface has been shaved by the machine.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ice resurfacing machine of simplified and efficient construction.

An object of this invention is the provision of an improved ice resurfacing machine wherein a receptacle, runners and a scraper blade are integrated in a unitary structure adapted to be lifted or towed by a vehicle.

It is an object of the invention to provide an ice resurfacing machine according to the foregoing object which is attached to a lifting mechanism on a vehicle to provide for the lifting and handling of the machine.

An object of the invention is the provision of an ice resurfacing machine wherein vacuum means withdraw shaved ice cut by the machine scraper blade and deposit the shaved ice in a machine receptacle.

An object of the invention is to provide a machine according to the foregoing object wherein a partial vacuum is produced in the receptacle to withdraw the shaved ice through a conduit.

An object of this invention is to provide a machine according to the foregoing object wherein conveyor means transport the shaved ice transversely in front of the scraper blade for withdrawal by vacuum means.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simplified and quick-acting mechanism for ejecting accumulated shaved ice from an ice resurfacing machine.

An object of the invention is the provision of an ejecting or unloading mechanism according to the foregoing object, wherein a scoop and a hinged door operable therewith provide for the ejection of accumulated shaved ice from the receptacle in a single ejecting movement.

An object of this invention is the provision of an ejector mechanism according to the foregoing objects comprising an arcuate lower or bottom surface of said receptacle for cooperation with the scoop for the rapid unloading of the accumulated shaved ice from the receptacle in a single ejecting movement.

It is an object of this invention to provide an ice resurfacing machine having improved means for controlling the depth of cut of the ice.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice resurfacing machine wherein supporting runners are provided with means for .adjusting the vertical relationship between a scraper blade and runners on a receptacle to control the depth of cut of the ice taken by the scraper blade.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those versed in the art from an examination of the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, where- FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an ice resurfacing machine embodying the improvements of the present invention and attached to a tractor;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view, similar to that of FIGURE 1 and partially in section, showing features of the ejector mechanism of the invention;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational exterior view of the machine of FIGURES 1 and 2, showing the ejector mechanism extended;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational sectional view of the machine of FIGURES 1 through 3, taken at line 44 in FIGURE 6, illustrating the flow of air through the machine, and showing the ejector mechanism retracted;

FIGURE is a side elevational sectional view, taken at line 5-5 in FIGURE 6, showing water tank details and showing the ejector mechanism in an intermediate position;

FIGURE 6 is a rear view taken at line 6-6 in FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of FIGURE 4, showing details of a portion of the air system;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken at line 8-8- in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 9 is a partial sectional view taken at line 9-9 in FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a partial sectional view taken at line 10-10 in FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 11 is a partial sectional view taken at line 11-11 in FIGURE 6, showing an hydraulically adjustable supporting wheel;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken at line 12-12 in FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 13 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an ice resurfacing machine according to the present invention;

FIGURE 14 is a partial side elevational sectional view taken at line 14-14 of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is a partial rear view of the lower portion of the machine of FIGURES 13 and 14;

FIGURE 16 is a partial sectional view taken at line 16-16 of FIGURE 15; and

FIGURE 17 is a fragmentary sectional view taken at line 17-17 of FIGURE 16.

Referring to FIGURES l, 2 and 3 of the drawings, a vehicle or tractor is shown connected with an ice resurfacing machine 10 embodying the invention. The resurfacing machine 10 generally comprises a rectilinear housing or receptacle 12 supported on an ice surface during operation by runners 14 and having a scraper blade 16 (FIGURES 5 and 10) arranged to take a shaving cut of the ice.

The machine has an ejector system which includes a rear door 18 attached at the upper rear of the receptacle by a hinge arrangement including an elongated rod 19. The door 1'8 is secured in rigid assembly with a scoop 20 which is hereinafter described in more detail. The door and scoop assembly is shown in retracted position in FIGURE 1 and in fully extended or open position in FIGURE 2, wherein a quantity of shaved ice is shown after ejection from the receptacle interior.

The resurfacing machine is shown in more detail in FIGURES 3 through 7, these figures illustrating the ejector mechanism, and showing the vacuum or air system for withdrawing shaved ice from the ice surface and depositing it in the receptacle.

The resurfacing machine 10 is attached to the tractor by a link 22 secured at the upper front portion of the machine and pivotally attached to a power-operated lever 24 on the tractor, and by lower links 26, as shown. A conventional hydraulic three-point mechanism on the tractor includes a lever member 24 pivotally mounted on the tractor, and a link 22 pivotally connected to lever member 24 and to a lug (not shown) on the resurfacing machine. Through lever member 24 lifting force is exerted on the ice resurfacing machine 10 by a power source (not shown) on the tractor, and the resurfacing machine can thereby be lifted through the linkage system in a conventional manner which will be understood from the geometric relations of the parts. It will therefore be understood that the ice resurfacing machine 10 may be lifted vertically .and lowered, thereby facilitating the transportation and handling of the resurfacing machine when it is not in operation.

A lever 28 is provided for manual operation of a valve to control the release of water for application to the ice surface for re-freezing after the ice-shaving operation. A drive or power shaft 30 extends from the tractor and to a gear box 32, from which power is supplied to the vacuum system and the conveyor system. Hand levers for controlling the mechanisms of the machine are indicated diagrammatically at 34.

A vacuum system, hereinafter described in more detail, includes a vacuum pump 36 and a duct 38 which communicates with the receptacle interior, as indicated in FIGURES 4 and 7. The receptacle has an arcuate bottom surface 40, which cooperates as part of the ejector system in a manner hereinafter described, and which de fines a water compartment or tank 42 including two large portions separated by a muffier housing 44 and interconnected by narrow tank portion 46 which extends beneath the muffler housing, as shown.

Considering the ejector mechanism in more detail, the scoop 20 is rigidly secured in assembly with the rear door 18 so that when the ejector mechanism is in the retracted position shown in FIGURE 4 with the rear door 18 closed, the scoop is adjacent to the upper wall of the receptacle. The scoop is provided with an intermediate slot or cleft 52 to accommodate its movement past the muffler housing 44 and the duct in moving between the retracted and open positions. An hydraulic actuator 54 is pivotally mounted in the upper forward corner of the receptacle, as indicated in FIGURES 4 and 5 at 56. An operating rod 58 is pivotally attached to a wrist pin mounted in a block or head 60. The block is supported by brace members 62, 64 extending from the scoop 20. A rigid structure including the door 18 and the scoop is provided by braces 66, 68 which extend between the block and the outer end of scoop 20 and the outer end of the door 18, respectively, and by brace rods 70 which extend between the outer edge of the door and the outer edge of the scoop.

For movement when not engaged in resurfacing ice, the resurfacing machine may preferably be supported .on wheels 80, which are best shown in FIGURES 5 and 11. The wheels are mounted on an axle 82 which is connected with a rod 84 of an hydraulic actuator 86. By operation of the actuator, as by manipulation of control lever 34 (FIGURE 3), wheels may be extended downwardly to engage the ice to support the machine and lift the runners from the ice surface.

A runner and shaving blade adjustment mechanism provides for adjusting the vertical relationship between the scraper blade and the runners to control the depth of cut of ice. As shown in FIGURE 10, the runners 14 are mounted on respective guide rails 96 which are secured as by welding to side shields 97. Slots 98 are defined in each runner to accommodate bolts 100 which extend through the slots to slidably mount the runners on the inclined rails. An hydraulic actuator 102 is provided for each runner 14 and has a piston rod 104 pivotally connected to a respective runner at 106 by means of a lug on the runner. The hydraulic actuators are operated by pressurized hydraulic fluid from a source (not shown) on the towing vehicle.

A cutting blade assembly 124 is mounted at the rear of the receptacle as shown in FIGURE 10. The sharp edged scraper blade 16 is secured to a blade bracket 128 which is journaled on pivot means 130 and extends between the lower side panels 97. A vertical rib 132 extends from the blade bracket and is attached as shown to turnbnckles, as indicated at 134, connected to the under side of the receptacle, whereby the cutting position .or angle of the blade 16 can be adjusted. A transverse tube 136 is mounted bebind the scraper blade. Water is fed from the tube to a fabric applicator 138 disposed about the tube, for application of a film of water to the ice surfacer.

From the foregoing description and from the geometric relations of the parts it will be understood that the hydraulic actuators are operable to adjust the positional relationship between the runners and the inclined rails, thereby governing the vertical relationship between the resurfacing machine and the runners. The scraper blade being secured to the machine, the depth .of cut of the ice taken by the resurfacing machine is controlled by thus adjusting the vertical relationship of the runners to the machine.

From the foregoing and from the geometric relations of the parts, it will be understood that hydraulically operated means are provided for adjusting the positional relationships between the runners and the inclined rails, thereby controlling the depth of cut of the ice taken by the scraper blade 16 by governing the vertical relationship between the runners and the resurfacing machine on which the blade is secured. The resurfacing machine is supported on the runners and the scraper blade is mounted on the machine in a fixed position in engagement with the ice surface to be shaved. The depth to which the ice is to be shaved .or cut is readily predetermined by operating the hydraulic actuators to adjust the positions of the runners relative to the inclined rails, thereby governing the vertical relationship between the runners and the scraper blade.

FIGURES 8 and 9 show the mechanical conveyor system for removing shaved ice and snow from in front of the scraper blade and delivering it to the vacuum duct 48. Referring to FIGURE 8, the conduit 48 has its lower end positioned close to the adjacent portions of two conveyors 150 and 152. The relative positions of these assemblies are indicated in FIGURES 5 and 8. Each flight of the conveyor moves transversely in front of the scraper blade 126 as shown in the figures. Each conveyor comprises a plurality of links 154 entrained over sprocket wheels. The inner conveyor 150 is entrained on sprocket wheels 156, 158, sprocket wheel 156 being mounted on an axle journaled in bearings 160 on mounting plates 162 and 164, as shown in FIGURE 9. The mounting plates are secured in spaced relation by a plurality of spacer bars 166 and the entire mounting plate assembly is secured to the bottom panel of the receptacle by means of hanger brackets 168. Sprocket wheel 158 is mounted on an axis journaled in plate 162 and in a bearing 170 mounted on plate 164. The conveyor 152 is similar in construction to conveyor 150 and it includes sprocket wheels 172, a bearing assembly designated at 174, sprocket wheels 176 and the driving gear therefor.

The conveyors 150 and 152 are preferably operated by a power takeoff, as described above, operating through the gear box 32. This gear box is connected by a shaft 184 to a right angle drive box 186. The gear box 186 drives a shaft 190 having on it a gear 192 which drives another gear 194- through a link or sprocket chain 196. The gear 194 drives a shaft 198 on which is a sprocket wheel 208. The parts just described may be mounted and supported in any convenient manner as diagrammatically illustrated in FIGURE 9. The sprocket wheels 158 and 17 6, previously referred to, have extending shafts on which are mounted sprocket wheels 204- and 206, as shown in FIGURE 8. Numeral 208 designates a driving sprocket. Passing over the sprocket wheels 200, 204, 206 and 208 is a sprocket or [link chain 210 which engages these sprocket wheels in the manner shown in FIGURE 8, so that the lower flights of each of the conveyors 150 and 152 moves inwardly to move the shaved ice to an intermediate position opposite the end of the duct 48. The conveyors are driven in opposite directions at the same speed by means of the inner sprocket and chain arrangements. A plurality of wiper blades is mounted on each of the flight conveyors 150, 152. The wiper blades are preferably mounted on alternate links of each conveyor. The wiper blades are preferably fabricated of a flexible material such as rubber to adapt them for wiping or brushing the ice surface and the scraper blade.

In the operation of the ice resurfacing machine, the machine is drawn across the surface by the tractor, the machine being supported on its runners 14. By the mechanism and in the manner hereinbefore described, the scraper blade 16 is adjusted so that it takes a shaving cut of the ice to a desired depth. The adjustment mechanism may be controlled and adjusted while the machine is in movement in operation, in order to adjust the depth of the shaving cut as described. The conveyor system moves shaved ice inwardly ahead of the blade to a position from which it is withdrawn through vacuum duct 48 into the receptacle, as indicated in FIGURE 8.

As hereinbefore mentioned, when not in operation in resurfacing an ice surface, the machine may be supported on wheels (FIGURES 5 and 11). By operation of the actuator 86 by manipulating control lever 34 (FIG- URE 3 These wheels are moved downwardly to lift the machine.

The vacuum system draws shaved ice upwardly through the duct 48 from a position adjacent to the conveyor system and adjacent the ice scraper blade, as hereinbefore mentioned, from the position to which the shaved ice has been moved transversely by the conveyors 150, 152 (FIG- URES 8 and 9).

The conveyors and 152 and their 'wiper blades continuously transport shaved ice from the ice surface in front of the scraper blade and from the scraper blade itself to a position beneath and in proximity to the end of the duct 48 of the vacuum system.

The partial vacuum produced by the vacuum pump 36 in the receptacle draws air and shaved ice upwardly through the duct 48, which extends from a position adjacent to the conveyor means and the ice scraper blade upwardly through the mufiler housing 44, and which terminates in an outlet 50. The receptacle is substantially sealed when door 18 is closed by resilient sealing means provided about the opening at the rear of the receptacle, in order to maintain the partial vacuum. As hereinbefore mentioned and as indicated in FIGURES 4, 7 and 8, shaved ice and air are drawn upwardly through the duct 48. Air drawn into the receptacle is drawn therefrom past a baffie 72, which is positioned upstream of the opening 74 and serves to prevent shaved ice in the air from being drawn into the vacuum pump. The air passes through a relatively restricted opening 74, through the duct 38 and the vacuum motor 36, thence outwardly through the mufller housing 44 and an opening 76 in the bottom of the receptacle. An appropriate sound-mufiiing material 78 in the muffler housing 44- serves to reduce the noise emitted from the mufiler housing and receptacle.

The ejector mechanism of the invention is utilized to remove shaved ice from the receptacle in a rapid, convenient and efiicient manner, when the receptacle requires unloading after a period of use. The machine is ordinarily moved to an appropriate location for this purpose. The hydraulic cylinder-actuator 54 is operated, as by manual movement of the control lever 34 (FIGURE 3), to move the scoop 20 with the door 18 in an ejecting movement, from the position shown in FIGURE 4 to that shown in FIGURE 5. In a single ejecting movement, the rear door opens outwardly and the scoop moves with its outer edge contiguous to the arcuate surface 40 which defines the receptacle bottom. The scoop thus sweeps the shaved ice before it from the receptacle in this single ejecting movement.

In addition to its cooperation with the scoop in the ejection action, the arcuate surface 40 further aids in the ejection by facilitating an avalanche effect. Once the mass of shaved ice is started in motion by the scoop, it tends to slide outwardly under its own momentum along the downwardly inclined arcuate surface 40.

FIGURES 13 through 16 illustrate another embodiment of the ice resurfacing machine of the invention, which differs from the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 through 12 in that shaved ice is withdrawn into the receptacle by a vacuum system without transverse conveyors moving the shaved ice inwardly toward a vacuum intake. The machine of FIGURES 13 through 16 utilizes features of the machine hereinbefore described, including the adjustment mechanism for the runners and the scraping blade, the scraping blade assembly, the three-point lift mechanism interconnecting the resurfacing machine with a towing tractor and means for extending a supporting Z wheel for transporting the machine when not in operation.

Referring to FIGURES 13 and 14, the ice resurfacing machine 220 generally includes a receptacle 222 supported on runners (not shown) and connected with a tractor by a linking mechanism. A vacuum system includes a pump 224 and a flexible connection 226 intei connecting the receptacle and the pump. The receptacle 222 is generally rectangular and has bottom side shields 228 (FIGURE secured to its lower side portions. Covers 230 are adapted to close rectangular openings in the upper surface of the receptacle. Pressure sealing between the covers and the receptacle is provided by gaskets 232, thereby effectively providing a pressure chamber within the receptacle when the covers are in place. Secured to the front panel 234 of the receptacle are vertical angle bars 236, 238 and a horizontal angle bracket 240. The conventional hydraulic three-point lift mechanism interconnecting the machine with a tractor (not shown), which is similar to that of the machine of FIGURES 1 through 7, includes a link member 242, a lug 244 extending from angle bracket 240, and parallel links 246 and 248, which are pivotally mounted at 250, 252 on the respective angle bars. An hydraulic assembly 254 is mounted in an upright frame structure extending vertically through a cross member 256 secured transversely between links 246 and 248, as indicated in FIGURE 13.

Referring to FIGURES 13 and 14, the vacuum system of the machine includes a vacuum header 258 which is defined in the upper portion of the receptacle 222. The vacuum header is connected with the vacuum pump 224 through an outlet pipe 260, and a coupling 262. An exhaust pipe 264 is connected with the vacuum pump and power is supplied to the pump through a pulley 266, and a belt 268 which is driven by a source of power (not shown). As shown in FIGURES 14 and 15, vertical conduit pipes 270 are attached to rear panel 272 of the receptacle by means of mounting bars 274. The upper ends of the conduit tubes are in proximity to the vacuum header and their lower portions are secured in a bottom panel 276 of the receptacle. Each of the conduit tubes 270 terminates in a vacuum head 278, as shown in FIG- URE 15. It will be understood that operation of the vacuum pump 224 produces a partial vacuum within the vacuum header 258, thereby producing a partial vacuum and suction at the vacuum heads 278.

As shown in FIGURE 16, a modified shaving blade assembly 280 is mounted at the rear of the receptacle. A sharp ed-ged scraper blade 282 is secured to a blade bracket 284 which is journaled on pivot pins 236 and extends between the lower side panels 228. A vertical rib 288 extends from the blade bracket and is engaged by an adjustment screw 290 on one side and by an adjustment screw 292 on the other side. The screw 290 is threadedly mounted in a bracket 294 secured to the lower rear portion of lower panel 228, and the adjustment screw 292 is secured in a lug mounted on the panel 228. The adjustment screws thereby provide means for the adjustment of the angle at which the scraper blade engages the ice surface. Tension bars 296, 2% are secured to the brackets 294 and are connected by a turnbuckle 300, by which the tension in the bars is adjustable to provide structural rigidity for supporting the cutting blade assembly 280.

The mechanism for adjusting the machine position relative to the runners for adjusting the depth of cut by the blade is similar to that shown in FIGURE 10 and herein described, and like parts are identified by like reference numerals.

In the operation of the vacuum system shown in FIG- URES 13 through 15, the vacuum pump 224 produces a partial vacuum in the receptacle and in the vertical conduit tubes 270 to produce a partial vacuum and suction in the region of the scraper blade. As ice is scraped from the ice surface by the scraper blade, it is drawn from the blade and from the ice immediately in front of the blade, passing upward through the vacuum headers 278 and the tubes 270 into the receptacle 222. The shaved ice or snow is largely melted by its passage through the air by the time it reaches the lower portion of the receptacle 222. The water which collects in the receptacle 222 is conveniently dischargeable when desired. The air drawn by the partial vacuum is discharged through the vacuum header 258, the tube 226, the pump 224 and the exhaust tube 264.

From the foregoing description, those versed in the art will appreciate that the present invention achieves the objects and realizes the advantages hereinbefore mentioned, and that other advantages inhere in the apparatus herein described.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood that the same are merely exemplary of presently preferred embodiments capable of attaining the objects and advantages hereinbefore mentioned, and that the invention is not limited thereto; variations will be readily apparent to those versed in the art, and the invention is entitled to the broadest interpretation within the terms of the appended claims.

The inventor claims:

1. An ice rink resurfacing machine in the form of an integral unitary structure adapted to be supported directly on the ice and to be operatively towed and to be lifted by a tractor, said ice rink resurfacing machine comprising a receptacle for receiving shaved ice, a transverse ice scraping blade mounted on the receptacle, runners supporting the machine for movement on the ice surface, said receptacle, runners and blade constituting a unitary structure, means for withdrawing ice shaved by the scraper blade from the region of the scraper blade and depositing the shaved ice in the receptacle, said shaved ice withdrawal means comprising part of the unitary structure and means connected with the unitary structure including wheel means and lift actuator means for lifting the unitary structure relative to the wheel means to support the unitary structure above the ice on the wheel means.

2. An ice rink resurfacing machine in the form of an integral unitary structure adapted for attachment to a lifting mechanism on a vehicle to enable the machine to be moved in operation and to be lifted by means of the vehicle, said ice resurfacing machine comprising means detachably securing the machine to said lifting mechanism on the vehicle, a normally closed pressure-tight receptacle for receiving shaved ice, a transverse ice scraping blade mounted on the receptacle, runners supporting the machine for movement on the ice surface, said receptacle, runners and blade constituting a unitary structure, an open conduit extending from a position adjacent to the scraper blade upwardly through the receptacle bottom and into the receptacle, and pump means for withdrawing air from the receptacle to produce subatmospheric pressure therewithin, whereby atmospheric pressure urges ice shaved by the scraper blade through the conduit and deposits the shaved ice in the receptacle. 1

3. An ice resurfacing machine comprising supporting means adapting the machine for movement over the ice to be resurfaced, a substantially pressure-tight receptacle, a sharp edged scraper blade generally transverse to the direction of forward movement of the machine, said scraper blade being positioned to take a controlled shaving cut of the ice, said receptacle and blade being parts of a unitary integral structure adapted to be supported directly on the ice for movement thereover and adapted to be lifted from the ice and lifted relative to a towing vehicle, means for adjusting the position of the unitary structure relative to the ice surface to regulate the depth of cut taken by the scraper blade, open conduit means extending from within the receptacle to a position adjacent to the scraper blade, said conduit means and said receptacle constituting portions of a vacuum system, and pump means for withdrawing air from the receptacle to produce subatmospheric pressure therewithin, whereby atmospheric pressure urges ice shaved by the scraper blade through the conduit and deposits the shaved ice in the receptacle.

4. An ice resurfacing machine comprising receptacle means, a sharp edged scraper blade mounted in substantially transverse relation with the direction of movement of the machine, at least two inclined rails mounted on the machine, runners slidably mounted on the inclined rails and supporting the machine for movement on the ice surface to be resurfaced, hydraulic actuator means for adjusting the positions of the runners on the inclined rails to govern the vertical positional relationship between the runners and the scraper blade, control means for operating the hydraulic actuator means to predetermine the depth of cut of the ice taken by the scraper blade, open conduit means extending from within the receptacle to a position adjacent to the scraper blade, said conduit means and said receptacle constituting portions of a vacuum system, and pump means for withdrawing air from the receptacle to produce subatmospheric pressure therewithin, whereby atmospheric pressure urges ice shaved by the scraper blade through the conduit and deposits the shaved ice in the receptacle.

5. An ice resurfacing machine comprising receptacle means, a sharp edged scraper blade mounted in substantially transverse relation with the direction of movement of the machine, at least two inclined rails mounted on the machine, runners slidably mounted on the inclined rails and supporting the machine for movement on the ice surface to be resurfaced, hydraulic actuator means for adjusting the positions of the runners on the inclined rails to govern the vertical positional relationship between the runners and the scraper blade, control means for operating the hydraulic actuator means to predetermine the depth of cut of the ice taken by the scraper blade, and means for withdrawing ice shaved by the scraper blade from the region of the scraper blade and depositing the shaved ice in the receptacle.

6. An ice resurfacing machine for attachment to a lifting mechanism on a vehicle to enable the machine to be operatively moved and to be lifted by means of the vehicle, said ice resurfacing machine comprising means for detachably securing the machine to said lifting mechanism on the vehicle, supporting means adapting the machine for movement over the ice to be resurfaced, a receptacle, a sharp edged scraper blade generally transverse to the direction of forward movement of the machine, said scraper blade being positioned to take a controlled shaving cut of the ice, said machine having inclined rail means and runners engaging the inclined rail means, means for adjusting the positional relationship between the runners and the inclined rail means to govern the vertical relationship between said scraper blade and the runners, thereby controlling the depth of cut of the ice taken by the scraper blade, open conduit means extending from within the receptacle to a position adjacent to the scraper blade, said conduit means and said receptacle constituting portions of a vacuum system, and pump means for withdrawing air from the receptacle to produce subatmospheric pressure therewithin, whereby atmospheric pressure urges ice shaved by the scraper blade through the conduit and deposits the shaved ice in the receptacle.

7. An ice resurfacing machine for attachment to a lifting mechanism on a vehicle to enable the machine to be operatively moved and to be lifted by means of the vehicle, said ice resurfacing machine comprising means for detachably securing the machine to said lifting mechanism on the vehicle, supporting means adapting the machine for movement over the ice to be resurfaced, a receptacle, a sharp edged scraper blade generally transverse to the direction of forward movement of the machine, said scraper blade being positioned to take a controlled shaving cut of the ice, said machine having inclined rail means and runners engaging the inclined rail means, means for adjusting the positional relationship between the runners and inclined rail means to govern the vertical relationship between said scraper blade and the runners, thereby controlling the depth of cut of the ice taken by the scraper blade, .and means for withdrawing ice shaved by the scraper blade from the region of the scraper blade and depositing the shaved ice in the receptacle.

8. In an ice resurfacing machine having means for taking a shaving cut from roughened ice, having a closed top receptacle for collecting the shaved ice, vacuum means communicating with the interior of the receptacle and extending to a position for withdrawing shaved ice from in front of the scraper blade, said vacuum means including discharge conduit means having an outlet extending into the receptacle for depositing shaved ice therein, the improvements comprising an openable closure for said receptacle, scoop means attached to the closure and moveable within the receptacle, and means for actuating the closure to open the receptacle while moving the scoop means in an ejecting movement to eject acumulated shaved ice therefrom in a single movement and for then moving the closure and scoop in a retracting movement to close the receptacle.

9. In an ice resurfacing machine having a normally closed receptacle having a closed top for collecting ice shaved from an ice surface, an openable closure for cooperation with an opening of the receptacle, hinge means about which said closure operates, scoop means operable entirely within the receptacle rigidly attached to and I0- tatable with the closure and about the hinge means between open and closed positions of the closure means, said receptacle having a bottom surface adjacent to which the scoop is movable in rotating about the hinge means, and means for operating the closure and scoop means, whereby upon opening of the closure means the scoop means operates about the hinge means to eject the collected shaved ice from the receptacle through said opening, and whereby upon movement of the closure means to its closed position to close the receptacle the scoop is retracted to an interior position within the receptacle.

10. In an ice resurfacing machine having a normally closed receptacle having a closed top for collecting ice shaved from an ice surface, an openable closure for cooperation with an opening of the receptacle, hinge means about which said closure operates, and scoop means operable entirely within the receptacle attached to and rotatable with the closure and adapted to eject shaved ice from within the receptacle upon rotation of the closure and scoop means about the hinge means, said receptacle having an arcuate bottom surface with the center of the arc thereof at the axis of the hinge means, said scoop means having an edge portion positioned to move contiguously to said arcuate receptacle bottom surface, whereby upon opening of the closure means the scoop means operates about the hinge means to the collected shaved ice from the receptacle through said opening.

11. An ice resurfacing machine according to claim 10 wherein the scoop means comprises an ejector member extending substantially radially from the axis of the hinge means and substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the openable closure to a position adjacent to said arcuate receptacle bottom surface.

12. An ice rink resurfacing machine adapted to be towed by a tractor, said resurfacing machine comprising an integral unitary structure including a shaved ice rcceptacle, a transverse scraping blade mounted on the unitary structure, and means carried by the unitary structure for removing shaved ice from in front of the scraping blade and transferring it to the receptacle, runners for supporting the structure directly on the ice surface, said blade being so positioned relative to the runners and the ice surface that the weight of the unitary structure urges the blade against the ice to provide improved ice shaving, and lift means connected with the tractor and with the unitary structure for elevating the unitary structure off the ice surface.

13. An ice rink resurfacing machine according to claim 12 wherein the lift means are adapted to subject said integral unitary structure to lifting force, whereby part of the weight of said structure can be selectively transferred to the rear wheels of the tractor to provide improved controlled traction. I 14. An ice rink resurfacing machine according to claim 12, wherein the shaved ice removal means include a mechanical conveyor for moving shaved ice in front of the blade to a position to be removed through said vertical conduit pipe.

15. An ice rink resurfacing machine comprising supporting means adapting the machine for movement over the ice to be surfaced, a normally closed receptacle having a closed top, an ice scraper blade generally transverse to the direction of forward movement of the machine, means for withdrawing ice shaved by the scraper blade from the region of the scraper blade and depositing the shaved ice in the receptacle, an openable closure for cooperation with an opening of the receptacle, hinge means about which said closure operates, scoop means operable entirely within the receptacle rigidly attached to and rotatable with the closure and about the hinge means between open and closed positions of the closure means, said receptacle having a bottom surface adjacent to which the scoop is movable in rotating about the hinge means, and means for operating the closure and scoop means, whereby upon opening of the closure means the scoop means operates about the hinge means to eject the collected shaved ice from the receptacle through said opening, and whereby upon movement of the closure means to its closed position to close the receptacle the scoop is retracted to an interior position within the receptacle.

16. The combination comprising an ice rink resurfacing machine including an integral unitary structure adapted to be towed by a tractor and adapted to be lifted, lift means cooperative with the integral unitary structure for elevating the unitary structure off the ice, said integral unitary structure including a shaved ice receptacle, said receptacle being substantially pressure-tight, a transverse scraping blade mounted on the unitary structure, and means carried by the unitary structure for removing shaved ice from in front of the scraping blade and transferring it to the receptacle, said shaved ice removal means comprising a vertical conduit pipe extending upwardly from the scraper blade to the interior of the receptacle, runners for supporting the structure directly on the ice surface, and means for producing subatmospheric pressure in the receptacle.

17. The combination comprising an ice rink resurfacing machine including an integral unitary structure adapted to be towed by a tractor and adapted to be lifted, lift means cooperative with the integral unitary structure for elevating the unitary structure off the ice, said integral unitary structure including a shaved ice receptacle, a transverse scraping blade mounted on the unitary structure, and mean-s carried by the unitary structure for removing shaved ice from in front of the scraping blade and transferring it to the receptacle, runners for supporting the structure directly on the ice surface, and an openable receptacle closure, scoop means movable with said closure and operable within the receptacle to eject col-lected shaved ice therefrom upon the open-ing of the closure.

13. The combination comprising an ice rink resurfacing machine including an integral unitary structure adapted to be towed by a tractor and adapted to be lifted, lift means cooperative with the integral unitary structure for elevating the unitary structure off the ice, said integral unitary structure including a normally closed shaved ice receptacle, a transverse scraping blade mounted on the unitary structure, and vacuum withdrawal means carried by the unitary structure for removing shaved ice from in front of the scraping blade and transferring it to the receptacle, and runners for supporting the structure directly on the ice surface.

19. The combination comprising an ice rink resurfacing machine including an integral unitary structure adapted to be towed by a tractor and adapted to be lifted,

lift means cooperative with the integral unitary structure for elevating the unitary structure off the ice, said integral unitary structure including a normally closed shaved ice receptacle, means for removing a layer of controlled depth from roughened ice, said means being on the unitary structure, and vacuum withdrawal means carried by the unitary structure for removing shaved ice from the region of said ice layer removing means and transferring it to the receptacle, and runners for supporting the structure directly on the ice surface.

20. An ice rink resurfacing machine comprising supporting means adapting the machine for movement over the ice to be surfaced, a normally closed receptacle having a closed top, means for removing an ice layer of controlled depth from roughened ice, means for withdrawing ice shaved by the ice layer removing means from the region of the ice layer removing means and depositing the shaved ice in the receptacle, an openable closure for cooperation with an opening of the receptacle, hinge means about which said closure operates, scoop means operable entirely within the receptacle rigidly attached to and rotatable with the closure and about the hinge means between open and closed positions of the closure means, said receptacle having a bottom surface adjacent to which the scoop is movable in rotating about the hinge means, and means for operating the closure and scoop means, whereby upon opening of the closure means the scoop means operates about the hinge means to eject the collected shaved ice from the receptacle through said opening, and whereby upon movement of the closure means to its closed position to close the receptacle the scoop is retracted to an interior position within the receptacle.

21. The combination comprising an ice rink resurfacing machine including an integral unitary structure adapted to be towed by a tractor and adapted to be lifted, lift means cooperative with the integral unitary structure for elevating the unitary structure off the ice, said integral unitary structure including a shaved ice receptacle, said receptacle being substantially pressure-tight, means for removing a layer of controlled depth from roughened ice, and means carried by the unitary structure for removing shaved ice from in front of the said ice layer removing means and transferring it to the receptacle, said shaved ice removal means comprising a conduit pipe extending upwardly from the scraper blade to the interior of the receptacle, runners for supporting the structure directly on the ice surface, and means for producing subatmospheric pressure in the receptacle.

22. The combination comprising an ice rink resurfacing machine including an integral unitary structure adapted to be towed by a tractor and adapted to be lifted, lift means cooperative with the integral unitary structure for elevating the unitary structure off the ice, said integral unitary structure including a shaved ice receptacle, means for removing a layer of controlled depth from roughened ice, and means carried by the unitary structure for removing shaved ice from in front of the said ice layer removing means and transferring it to the receptacle, runners for supporting the structure directly on the ice surface, an openable receptacle closure, and scoop means movable with said closure and operable within the receptacle to eject collected shaved ice therefrom upon the opening of the closure.

23. An ice resurfacing machine comprising supporting means adapting the machine for movement over the ice to be resurfaced, a substantially pressure-tight receptacle, means for removing a layer of cont-rolled depth from roughened ice, said receptacle and said ice layer removing means being parts of a unitary integral structure adapted to be supported directly on the ice for movement thereover and adapted to be lifted from the ice and lifted re1ative to a towing vehicle, means for adjusting the position of the unitary structure relative to the ice surface to regulate the depth of the ice layer removed by the ice layer removing means, open conduit means extending from within the receptacle to a position adjacent to the ice layer removing means, said conduit means and said receptacle constituting portions of a vacuum system, and pump means for withdrawing air from the receptacle to produce subatmospheric pressure therewithin, whereby atmospheric pressure urges ice shaved by the ice layer removing means through the conduit and deposits the shaved ice in the receptacle.

24. An ice resurfacing machine com-prising receptacle means, means for removing a layer of controlled depth from roughened ice, at least two inclined rails mounted on the machine, runners slidably mounted on the inclined rails and supporting the machine for movement on the ice surface to be resurfaced, hydraulic actuator means for adjusting the positions of the runners on the inclined rails to govern the vertical positional relationship between the runners and the ice layer removing means. control means for operating the hydraulic actuator means to predetermine the depth of cut of the ice taken by the ice layer removing means, and means for Withdrawing ice shaved by the ice layer removing means from the region of the ice layer removing means and depositing the shaved ice in the receptacle.

25. An ice resurfacing machine for attachment to a lifting mechanism on a vehicle to enable the machine to be operatively moved and to be lifted by means of the vehicle, said ice resurfacing machine comprising means for detachably securing the machine to said lifting mechanism on the vehicle, supporting means adapting the machine for movement over the ice to be resurfaced, a receptacle, means for removing a layer of controlled depth from roughened ice, said machine having inclined rail means and runners engaging the inclined rail means, means for adjusting the positional relationship between the runners and the inclined rail means to govern the vertical relationship between said ice layer removing means and the runners, thereby controlling the depth of cut of the ice taken by the ice layer removing means, and means for withdrawing ice removed from the roughened ice from the region of said ice layer removing means and depositing it in the receptacle.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS ERNEST R. PURSER, Primary Examiner.

BENJAMIN HERS-H, CHARLES E. OCONNELL,

Examiners.

G. T. MOLLER, Assistant Examiner. 

12. AN ICE RINK RESURFACING MACHINE ADAPTED TO BE TOWED BY A TRACTOR, SAID RESURFACING MACHINE COMPRISING AN INTEGRAL UNITARY STRUCTURE INCLUDING A SHAVED ICE RECEPTACLE, A TRANSVERSE SCRAPING BLADE MOUNTED ON THE UNITARY STRUCTURE, AND MEANS CARRIED BY THE UNITARY STRUCTURE FOR REMOVING SHAVED ICE FROM IN FRONT OF THE SCAPING BLADE AND TRANSFERRING IT TO THE RECEPTACLE, RUNNERS FOR SUPPORTING THE STRUCTURE DIRECTLY ON THE ICE SURFACE, SAID BLADE BEING SO POSITIONED RELATIVE TO THE RUNNERS AND THE ICE SURFACE THAT THE WEIGHT OF THE UNITARY STRUCTURE 